Slawko Borys, Toronto
On November 9, 2014, the Ukrainian community marked Remembrance Day at the Ukrainian-Canadian memorial park in Toronto. The commemorations are organized each year by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch and this year the organizing committee was chaired by UNF West Toronto member Maksym Stolyarevskyy.
This year’s commemorations were poignant as ever, as we remember those who have given their lives to protect Canadian and Ukrainian freedom over the years; we also remember those who are still fighting on the front lines in Ukraine. Chair of the Board of Ukrainian Credit Union and former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Andre Sochaniwsky gave a very moving speech and made some important connections to the European conflicts of the past with those we see today.
This year’s guest speaker was a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who is currently in Canada on a military educational program. He spoke about his close friend, a pilot in the Ukrainian Air force who lost his life this summer when his transport aircraft was shot down by a missile. He successfully evacuated his crew members and stayed with the aircraft until it impacted a forest, making sure that he steered his plane clear of populated residential areas saving hundreds of innocent lives. His is an example of Ukrainian heroism which continues on the front lines of Ukraine’s conflict with Russia today.
Each year attendance to this event varies, but the group of dedicated members of our committee, including all of the branches of the UNF, UWO, UNYF and UWVA in the Toronto Area make sure that they attended to remember these heroes of Canada and Ukraine. It is important that we continue this tradition, as the number of veterans decreases each year, we should focus on complimenting their ranks with young people who can use their experiences as a life lesson on how to be a true builder of our community.
Слава Украіни…Слава Канаді!
Editorial Note: This event is organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch, includes dedicated participation from the Orion Men's Choir, Ukrainian Youth Ensembles and clergy from the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox Churches as well as various Veteran's and Military Organizations.
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